I'm older now, and simple beer pleasures are the most meaningful to me. They tend to be encountered locally. It is my aim to get unplugged and explore some of them, slowly and thoughtfully. I'd tell you where it's leading, except that I've no idea ... and that's the whole point of the journey: To find out.

Thursday, July 05, 2012

Indiana Microbrewers Festival is Saturday, July 14, in Indianapolis.

Next week is going to be a busy one. For starters, here's the scoop on the annual Indiana Microbrewers Festival (July 14).

INDIANAPOLIS (updated July 3, 2012) – Indiana’s growing love affair with craft beer will be on display at the 17th Annual Microbrewers Festival on July 14 in Broad Ripple. Indiana brewers from around the state will be joined by a select group of out-of-state breweries in Optimist Park and the Indianapolis Art Center.

The Guild is proud to again partner with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. A portion of each ticket sale will benefit that organization.

While other businesses are struggling to survive, the number of Indiana breweries has more than doubled in the last five years. Many credit the “buy local” movement as influencing consumers’support of microbreweries, most of which are small, locally-owned businesses where small batch beer is hand-crafted onsite.

The festival is one of three produced by the Brewers of Indiana Guild, a statewide trade association representing all of Indiana’s 50-plus microbreweries. The Broad Ripple event, which made its debut in 1996, is the largest and longest-running craft beer festival in Indiana, drawing 5,000 craft beer enthusiasts in recent years.

World Class Beer, one of the country’s largest craft beer distributors, is the lead sponsor for the Guild’s three major festivals. World Class will host “Hopapalooza” at the Broad Ripple event, featuring two dozen top-flight beers from its extensive brand list. In addition to sampling craft beer, guests will enjoy the best that Indy has to offer: live music and a panoply of food from local favorites (available for purchase). The festival will go on, rain or shine.

Tickets are now available at ETIX.com and select central Indiana microbreweries. General admission tickets are $40 and include admission, a commemorative tasting glass, and access to over 150 beers in 2-ounce pours. VIP tickets are sold out.

The Brewers of Indiana Guild encourages responsible drinking. Attendees are encouraged to bring designated drivers, for whom admission is $10. Designated Drivers will enjoy free soft drinks and water throughout the festival. The entire venue will be limited to adults 21 and over — drinkers and designated drivers — and ID will be carefully checked at the gate.

The Brewers of Indiana Guild is proud to present the 17th Annual Indiana Microbrewers Festival on Saturday, July 14 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. (early entry at 2:00 for VIPs and Sponsors).

More information about this festival and other activities related to Indiana’s craft beer industry can be found at www.BrewersofIndianaGuild.com.